Monday, June 7, 2010

MARGARET RIVER TO A FREECAMP NEAR TOM PRICE

(I am writing this from home now as we arrived sooner than planned - I had lost my mojo on our trip because of my back and then my leg. Better late than never!)
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Our caravan park at Margaret River was Taunton Farm. We stayed here in 2007 when we had Tori with us and she loved the fact that the owners feed the animals every evening and children can help. We big kids helped this time.

One night we took all our food over to the barn (camp kitchen) and had a BBQ. It was a lovely night and after a couple of chardies and some good food and great company we figured that this was the life.
Next door to Taunton Farm is a winery. We walked over and had a few tastings and then sat down for coffee. Barb and Tony bought some cleanskin chardonnay which tasted veery good, and only $6 a bottle. We would have bought some also but they only had one box left, which of course is what B & T got. Out the front of the building was this cow. Apparently there were 52 cows all over the Margaret River region, of all shapes and sizes, and painted in a variety of styles. It was a comp where you had to find all 52, fill in a card and hand it in and hopefully win a prize. We saw a few but didn't have time to find them all.
We left Margaret River and drove to Busselton to see the longest pier. It certainly is a beautiful sight. There was major works being carried out on the pier so we were unable to walk on it. A lot of people were disappointed, especially Tony who had planned to go down into the underwater observatory. Oh well, that will have to be for another trip.

From Bussellton we drove to Bunbury and stopped to see the Lighthouse.

We then drove to Rockingham where we would stay for a few days with Darren, a school friend of young Arnold. We stopped at Safety Bay where I took this shot of a seagull on a post. It stayed there for me which made me a very happy snapper.

The next photo is of Darcy, Darren's son. He loves doing tricks with his scooter.

After leaving Rockingham we drove towards Perth. Of course we missed our turn onto the Kwinnana freeway and ended up driving through suburbia before we got to it.

We drove on to Cervantes to visit the Pinnacles. It was awesome!! We couldn't drive around them as we had the van on so we walked.

From Cervantes we drove along the coast to a freecamp right on the water called Cliff Head North. There were a lot of people already there so we drove along a track till we found a spot. It was magic!

In the morning it was just as good. Should have stayed there longer ... maybe next time.
We left Cliff Head Nth and headed up the coast. These sheep we on the march, kicking up lots of dust. I just had to take a photo.

We passed the famous bent tree at Dongara.

Sunset at a freecamp on the way to Tom Price.

Stopping for morning tea.

Last freecamp before Tom Price where we will meet up with Jill & Barry.
There were 2 motorhomes and 2 vans staying the night which was good. One of the motorhomes had a flat tyre. His jack broke when he tried to jack it up so Arnold lent him ours. The wheel would not come off as the last guy to do the nuts up had misaligned one and it wouldn't budge. It took Arnold 3 hours to get it off and change the wheel so the guy could move on in the morning. He was very appreciative as he could not have done it himself. So in the morning 3 of us drove on to Tom Price and the 4th drove the other way.
Looking into the trees from our van. It was a great spot.
I will leave it here for now. Good Night.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

ALBANY TO MARGARET RIVER via THE GLOUCHESTER AND BICENTENNIAL TREES

My apologies to everyone for not updating the blog. My excuse is that the pain associated with the pinched nerve in my back worked its way down my arm and it was very uncomfortable sitting at the computer. When we got to Rockingham I went and had acupuncture which eased the pain slightly and even though it is almost better, I still get pins and needles in my lower arm and hand.
So this entry will be photos and a little dialogue. Will update again soon.


Jen climbing the Glouchester Tree

Arnold climbing the Glouchester Tree

The road to the Bicentennial Tree

Jen walking back to the car for her sneakers so she can climb

The Bicentennial Tree which is 75 metres high

Jen and Tony climbed to the 25 metre platform and then back down. Arnold made it to the top.

We then drove to Cape Leeuwen where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.
Cape Leeuwen Lighthouse looking from the road in


Ronnie, Barb and Jen in front of the lighthouse
From Cape Leeuwen we drove to Tauton Farm Caravan Park at Margaret River and set up. In the following days we went for a drive and stopped at the Laurance Cellars winery, mainly to have a look at the beautiful building and gardens.

Arnold and Jen in the garden overlooking a pond with a statue of a golden lady in the centre

Jen in the tasting room

Arnold and I at the door leading into the winery
We left the winery and drove on to the Ngilgi Cave. It was getting late in the day and as Arn didn't really want to go into the cave, Jen and I went. It was awesome!!












Bye for now.

Friday, May 14, 2010

ALBANY AND PARRYS BEACH

When we drve into Albany we saw this rock that looks like a dog's head - they call it Dog Rock. It has a painted collar. Looks like a dog doesn't it.

We then drove down to the water where this ship, a replica of the Brig Amity is berthed. It is a tourist attraction of course.

From there we drove on to Whale World, a must visit for visitors to Albany.
Jennifer pretended to be in Titanic ....
The following day we visited Anzac Hill. We parked the car and walked up quite a few steps.

The view from the top.

Looking away from the water is this monument of WW1 Soldiers and their horses.

We set up the camera to take a photo of the three of us. What you can't see is the guys setting up large screens and audio cables as this is where the Anzac Day service was to be held the following day.

We left Albany and drove a short way to Parrys Beach. Very rugged coastline. We had to stay in the overflow as the park was full but that was okay. After we set up we went for a walk along the beach and rocks.

Arnold walking on the beach

Barb and I posing
The following photos show how the water crashes against the rocks.


Of course we wrote in the sand.

I haven't seen these birds before.... wonder what they're called.

We went back to the van and had happy hour. After a time I got my hats out and dressed Arnold in them. He looks so funny!!



The following morning Jennifer got up early, went outside and got these awesome shots. A magic sunrise ... it was Anzac Day.


It was time to move on so we left Parrys Beach. We all enjoyed our stay and would go back and stay again.
That's all for now. Bye Bye